Harlan holds off Pikeville in thrilling WYMT Game of the Week

HARLAN, Ky. (WYMT) - It was Monday night special on our WYMT Game of the Week with big time matchup in the deep dark hills. The No. 7 Pikeville Panthers met up with the No. 1 Harlan Green Dragons in an Alice Lloyd College Mountain Top Ten tilt, and their third meeting of the season thus far. And it was an absolute barn-burner.

The Green Dragons, as they have so many times this year, came out victorious 76-72.

It was a high-scoring physical game to start, with both teams going shot for shot early. Pikeville took the lead after the first quarter 22-19.

The pace continued in the second frame, with both teams going back and forth. Pikeville’s slight edge continued for part of the period before a late three tied it up at 32 with less than three minutes to play in the half. Harlan had the slight edge in the second quarter, with the teams tied at the half 35-35.

The third quarter continued the two teams’ frenetic pace, with the teams generally trading baskets or missed baskets on each trip up the floor. Pikeville led 56-55 after three quarters of play.

However, Harlan began to flex their muscles a bit to start the fourth quarter, taking the lead back 63-56 early in the period. Harlan would keep a slim but persistent lead through most of the final frame of play. Harlan led by two with less than two minutes to play in the game, but a turnover and a quick bucket by Pikeville tied the game back up with one minute to play. However, late free throws would put the Green Dragons on top for good.

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